20 Business Ideas For Environmentalists [2024]
Are you an environmentalist looking to make a difference through entrepreneurship? In today's evolving market, there are numerous opportunities for you to combine your passion for the planet with business ventures. This article explores practical business ideas that align with your commitment to sustainability.
From launching eco-friendly products to providing green consulting services, you could turn your environmental values into profitable enterprises. These business ideas not only support a greener future but also cater to an increasing demand for sustainable solutions. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you'll find actionable insights to help you succeed.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other environmentalist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog focused on environmental topics can be an excellent way to combine your passion for sustainability with entrepreneurial aspirations. By educating readers about eco-friendly practices, reviewing green products, and advocating for environmental conservation, you could create a dedicated following that values your expertise and insights. Not only can this blog enhance public awareness, but it also opens up various monetization opportunities through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and even public speaking engagements.
For example, you could write articles on zero-waste living, highlight sustainable brands, or create video content about renewable energy solutions. Regular engagement with your readers will help you build a loyal community supportive of your green mission.
Why consider starting a niche blog?
- Share your expertise and influence positive change by educating a wider audience about environmental issues.
- Monetize your passion through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or collaborations with eco-friendly brands.
- Build a strong personal brand and open doors to speaking engagements, workshops, and other business opportunities related to sustainability.
For more insights, you could visit Niche Blog Marketing Ideas.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As an environmentalist, starting an online course sales business allows you to share your knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability while earning an income. By creating and selling online courses on topics such as sustainable living, renewable energy, or eco-friendly practices, you can educate others and inspire positive change from the comfort of your home. This venture not only supplements your income but also amplifies your impact on the environment by reaching a broad audience.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could transform your expertise into a passive income stream, benefiting financially while making a difference.
- The e-learning market is booming, expected to surpass $645 billion, offering substantial growth opportunities.
- Sharing your environmental insights through online courses can empower others to adopt sustainable lifestyles, amplifying your positive influence on the planet. For more details, check out these startup costs for an online course sales business.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel is an excellent way for environmentalists to share their passion for sustainability, educate others, and create additional income. You could focus on producing content that showcases eco-friendly practices, provides tips on reducing environmental footprints, and reviews sustainable products. This platform not only offers the potential for revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise but also serves as a powerful tool for spreading awareness and fostering a community committed to environmental conservation.
If you're considering starting this venture, planning your content, staying consistent, and engaging with your audience will be key to building a successful channel. For more insights on how to make the most out of this opportunity, visit Starter Story.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- You can reach a global audience with content that advocates for environmentalism and inspires change.
- Monetizing your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise can provide a substantial supplementary income.
- Creating educational and engaging video content allows you to turn your passion for the environment into a rewarding business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're passionate about the environment and looking to supplement your income, starting a niche website could be the perfect side business for you. By creating a website focused on a specific environmental topic—like sustainable living, eco-friendly products, or green energy—you could offer valuable content to a dedicated audience. Whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate a steady stream of passive income.
For more tips and inspiration, check out some niche website success stories.
Why starting a niche website?
- It's a great way to leverage your expertise. Share your knowledge on environmental topics, attracting like-minded individuals who value your insights.
- Passive income opportunity. Once set up, a well-maintained website can generate revenue through various monetization methods with minimal ongoing effort.
- Flexibility and creative freedom. You could manage your site on your own schedule, making it a perfect side hustle that aligns with your passion for the environment.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
5. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Starting a mobile app business offers environmentalists a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while supplementing their income. You could develop apps that promote sustainable practices, help users track their carbon footprint, or provide information about eco-friendly products and local recycling centers. With growing awareness around climate change and sustainability, there is a high demand for tools that assist people in making greener choices. See related success stories on Starter Story.
Why create a mobile app?
- Mobile apps can reach a broad audience, maximizing your impact on promoting environmental awareness.
- You could address specific environmental issues with innovative solutions tailored to everyday activities.
- Contributing to a sustainable future can be deeply rewarding, both financially and in terms of personal satisfaction.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app can be an excellent business opportunity for an environmentalist looking to make a positive impact while generating income. Such an app offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, enabling users to achieve their health goals sustainably. By focusing on eco-friendly practices, you could create a platform that promotes not just personal well-being, but also highlights the importance of environmental consciousness in day-to-day health routines.
This business idea involves comprehensive market research, partnerships with health experts, and effective app development and marketing strategies. The potential for positively impacting lives and tapping into the growing health and wellness market makes it a compelling venture for an entrepreneur passionate about health and technology. If this sounds like an exciting path, read more about successful health and wellness app startups for inspiration.
Why consider starting a health and wellness app?
- It complements your environmental values by promoting holistic well-being with eco-friendly practices.
- The health and wellness market is booming, providing ample opportunities for growth and impact.
- You could help users achieve a balanced life while educating them on sustainable living choices.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business is a great option for environmentalists wanting to supplement their income or even start a full-time venture. By partnering with eco-friendly brands and promoting sustainable products, you could not only generate passive income but also drive awareness and sales for green businesses. With the potential for high commissions and the freedom to work from anywhere, affiliate marketing meets both financial and ethical goals.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. You might prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store that focuses on sustainable products or even partnering directly with manufacturers of eco-friendly goods. For more details on the profitability and tips on starting, check out this comprehensive guide on Starting an Affiliate Marketing Business.
Why starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You could promote and support eco-friendly products.
- It offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to manage your business alongside other commitments.
- Potential for passive income, especially when partnering with high-commission brands.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
8. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool could make sense as an environmentalist because it offers a unique opportunity to promote sustainable practices and eco-minded products directly to a targeted audience. Given email marketing's reputation for high ROI, you could create tailored campaigns that highlight green initiatives, eco-friendly products, and sustainable brands. This type of business could also fund your other environmental initiatives, allowing you to make a significant impact without sacrificing financial stability.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- You could drive awareness and adoption of sustainable products by promoting them directly to interested subscribers.
- Your business could generate significant revenue, part of which can be reinvested in other eco-friendly projects.
- Developing an email marketing tool could enable you to create more responsible, efficient marketing campaigns that reduce paper waste and other traditional marketing materials.
For more insights and tips, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you're an environmentalist looking to harness cutting-edge technology to boost your business, consider starting an AI-based business solution. By integrating AI solutions, companies can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions that align with sustainable practices. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy, making them invaluable for environmentally conscious businesses.
With a solid implementation plan and focus on high-impact areas, launching an AI-based business could be a strategic move into an expanding market. You don't need a background in tech—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. Learn more about the profitability and startup costs of AI-based business solutions here.
Why start an AI-based business solution? - AI can optimize resource use, helping you run a more sustainable and eco-friendly business. - Automating routine tasks frees up your time to focus on high-impact environmental initiatives. - The growing demand for AI solutions provides ample opportunity for profitability and innovation in green tech sectors.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be a flexible and low-overhead way for environmentalists to make extra money or establish a side business. By choosing eco-friendly products and suppliers, you could align your business operations with your values and contribute positively to the environment. Using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you could set up an online store without the hassle and expense of maintaining inventory, allowing you to focus on promoting sustainable products and practices.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could reduce waste by selling eco-friendly products that align with your environmental values.
- You could avoid the environmental impact of shipping inventory by utilizing third-party suppliers who ship directly to customers.
- You could manage your business with minimal overhead, enabling you to scale your operations sustainably.
For more details, explore the profitability of dropshipping here.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
11. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business as an environmentalist can be a highly fulfilling and profitable venture. You could curate eco-friendly products, such as sustainable household items, organic skincare, or zero-waste alternatives, that align with your values and educate your customers on making greener choices. Subscription boxes are in high demand and provide a recurring revenue stream, allowing you to make a consistent income while making a positive impact on the environment. Learn more about subscription box business success stories here.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could promote sustainable living by providing eco-friendly products to your customers on a regular basis.
- This business model offers a consistent and reliable income stream through recurring subscriptions.
- By curating boxes, you could help smaller, sustainable brands gain recognition and reach a broader audience.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business as an environmentalist could be a great way to merge your values with entrepreneurial opportunities. This business model reduces waste by only producing items as they are ordered, eliminating the need for bulk manufacturing and unsold stock. Alongside this, you could choose eco-friendly suppliers and sustainable materials to further minimize environmental impact while monetizing your creativity and reaching global audiences.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could contribute to a more sustainable fashion and merchandise industry by reducing overproduction and waste.
- You’ll have the flexibility to choose environmentally friendly materials and suppliers, aligning your business with your values.
- This model allows you to run an agile, low-cost business from your home with minimal financial risk, making it easier to scale at your own pace.
For more information on starting a print-on-demand business, check out this page on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business as an environmentalist can be an excellent avenue to channel your passion for nature and sustainability into a profitable venture. By capturing stunning images of landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena, you can build an impressive portfolio that both raises awareness about environmental issues and generates passive income. Businesses and marketers are constantly seeking high-quality, engaging photos for their projects, allowing you to sell your work on various platforms and reach a broad audience. To get started, invest in quality photography gear, hone your photography skills, and establish a robust online presence to showcase and sell your photos effectively. For more insights, check out this comprehensive guide on how to start a stock photography business.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could raise awareness. Your impactful images can highlight environmental problems and encourage more sustainable behaviors.
- You have the chance to earn passive income. Once uploaded, high-quality stock photos can generate continuous revenue streams over time.
- You can harness your passion for photography. Turn your love for capturing nature into a meaningful and lucrative side business.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
14. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Embarking on the journey of creating an AI writing tool could be a rewarding business venture for an environmentalist. By utilizing advanced technology, you would be able to streamline content creation, providing immense value to a wide array of users. Offering an eco-friendly solution, such a tool can significantly reduce paper waste and energy consumption associated with traditional writing and content generation methods.
Additionally, as the demand for high-quality content continues to grow, there is a substantial opportunity to make a mark in this burgeoning field. Tailoring your AI writing tool to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness can resonate deeply with eco-minded individuals and businesses. You could even direct a portion of your profits to environmental causes, further aligning your business with your values. Learn more about the potential profitability of this innovative business idea here.
Why start an AI writing tool business as an environmentalist?
- Promotes eco-friendly practices by reducing paper usage and energy consumption.
- Meets the growing demand for high-quality, efficient content creation.
- Allows you to support and fund environmental initiatives with your business profits.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
15. Start a credit card comparison website
Starting a credit card comparison website could be a lucrative opportunity for environmentalists who are looking to supplement their income. While promoting financial literacy, you could utilize the platform to highlight credit cards that offer eco-friendly rewards or benefits, thereby encouraging sustainable financial choices. By guiding consumers toward greener financial products, you could not only grow your business but also support environmental causes through meaningful financial choices.
Why consider starting a credit card comparison website?
- You could promote eco-friendly financial choices by featuring credit cards that offer green rewards.
- This platform allows you to educate people about sustainable spending and investments.
- You could create partnerships with financial institutions to offer exclusive eco-friendly deals, driving both traffic and revenue.
For more details on starting a financial product business, check out this link: /ideas/financial-product-business/startup-costs.
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
16. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as an environmentalist opens a world of opportunities to share your passion and knowledge about environmental issues. You could leverage this platform to educate, inspire, and mobilize your audience towards sustainable practices while also generating additional income. With strategic planning, you could attract sponsors, build a loyal listener base, and even monetize through advertising.
Why start a podcast?
- You could reach a global audience eager for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
- It offers an affordable way to spread awareness and effect change from the comfort of your home.
- By providing high-quality content, you could attract advertisers and sponsors, turning your passion into a profitable venture.
For more information on how to get started, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
17. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business makes perfect sense for an environmentalist looking to supplement their income or build a thriving side business. By leveraging automation tools and strategies, you could help eco-friendly brands, NGOs, and activists drive engagement effortlessly across multiple social media platforms. This aligns with your values by enabling you to promote environmental causes while generating revenue.
The mechanics involve developing or integrating software solutions to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, thereby saving your clients valuable time. Not only is there a growing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, but as an environmentalist, you could specialize in serving green businesses and organizations, enhancing their social media presence and impact.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could promote environmental causes by helping eco-friendly brands reach a broader audience.
- There’s a significant demand for automation, offering a lucrative income opportunity with lower overhead.
- Specializing in green businesses allows you to align your work with your values, making the job both profitable and fulfilling.
Learn more about the profitability and tips for starting a social media automation business on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
18. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Creating an online survey tool could be an excellent business venture for environmentally-conscious entrepreneurs looking to bridge their passion for sustainability with tech innovation. Not only does it offer a valuable service to help businesses understand their customer base, but it also enables you to gather crucial data on consumer behaviors and attitudes towards environmental issues. With stats showing that Typeform's annual recurring revenue surpassed $70 million, the potential for financial success is evident. Discover more about starting an online survey tool here.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- You could influence eco-friendly practices by helping businesses gather feedback on their sustainability efforts.
- As an environmentalist, you offer unique insights that can tailor surveys to focus on green initiatives, contributing to environmental awareness.
- This venture aligns with low-impact, digital-first business models, minimizing your carbon footprint while maximizing your entrepreneurial reach.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be an intriguing venture for an environmentalist looking to expand their entrepreneurial horizon. Not only does it offer the flexibility to work from anywhere, but it also allows you to assist eco-friendly companies in expanding their reach. By leveraging your knowledge and passion for the environment, you could focus your services on helping green businesses find new clients and make impactful connections. Check out these success stories for inspiration.
Why consider starting a cold email service business?
- You could help eco-friendly companies grow by connecting them with like-minded clients.
- It's a scalable model that allows you to start small and expand as you gain more clients.
- You could utilize your marketing and technical skills to create meaningful and ethical business relationships.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
20. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Struggling to attract the right customers? A lead generation tool might be what you need. This business idea involves creating a software application or platform that identifies and captures potential customer leads for businesses. Imagine automating the often laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on conversion instead.
By integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints, your tool could collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests. The demand for efficient lead generation is high, as businesses of all sizes are eager to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. If you're tech-savvy and have an eye for marketing, developing a lead generation tool could be your next profitable venture. Explore more details about starting a lead generation tool.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- Lead generation tools offer a scalable and sustainable income stream.
- As an environmentalist, you could prioritize eco-friendly businesses, helping them grow while promoting sustainability.
- The software industry is expected to grow, providing opportunities to be on the cutting edge of technology and environmental advocacy.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
